NATIONAL GOOD SAMARITAN DAY
National Good Samaritan Day on March 13th recognizes the unselfish actions of those who provide help when needed. The day is also known as Good Samaritan Involvement Day and celebrates kindness in all its forms.
#GoodSamaritanDay
The term “good Samaritan” comes from the Bible parable where a Samaritan helped a stranger who had been robbed and beaten and left to die by the side of the road. The Samaritan not only cleaned the man’s wounds and clothed him but took him to an inn where he paid for the man’s care.
The term is used today to describe those who perform acts of kindness for those in need, especially those who are strangers.
HOW TO OBSERVE GOOD SAMARITAN DAY
- Make an effort to help someone who is struggling or having a problem.
- Share a story about someone who was a Good Samaritan in your life.
- The act of a Good Samaritan can be large or small. Something as simple as a phone call to as inconvenient as stopping to help change a tire are all acts of a good Samaritan.
- Make a commitment to developing a habit of kindness and awareness of others.
- Volunteer. Offer your valuable skills to others in times of need. Do you enjoy sports or have mad math skills? Your ability to mentor youth may change someone’s life for the better.
- Use #GoodSamaritanDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL GOOD SAMARITAN DAY HISTORY
Our research found this day honors the death of Catherine “Kitty” Genovese, who was murdered near her home on March 13, 1964, in New York City. That night, if one Good Samaritan had stepped forward, Miss Genovese would have lived. Something interrupted her killer twice that night, each interruption witnessed by neighbors or passersby. Still, no one called the police. One person called after his third and successful attempt, but too late for Miss Genovese. We have been unable to identify the creator of this national day.
Good Samaritan FAQ
Q. What is a good Samaritan law?
A. A good Samaritan law protects someone who provides aid in an emergency from being sued for injuries or damages. The laws vary from state to state but generally have the expectation that the good Samaritan asks permission if possible from the ill, injured, or in danger and that they do not act in a reckless or negligent manner.
Q. Does every state have good Samaritan laws?
A. Yes. Additionally, Federal laws protect good Samaritans, too.
